Shape Matching File Folder Game

Good morning all!!

Today I'm back with yet another file folder game! (I've mentioned how much I like these.. right??)

Shape matching! This game goes beyond the basic square, circle, triangle, and introduces preschoolers to a larger range of shapes. Now, I'm not expecting a toddler to understand the difference between a hexagon and an octagon straight up, but there is no harm in exposing them to these shapes and words from the get go.

For younger kids it will be a simple matching game, and learning to recognise the shapes, their names, and also colours (eg, What colour is the star?, Which shape is green?) For older kids you can talk about the shapes some more, for example, how many sides they have or what other things in life resemble the shapes.

New to file folder games? It's super simple to do!

Here's How!

You'll need to download the files at the bottom of this post. The PDF contains both sets of shapes and a cover page.

Print out each set twice.

Take one copy of each set and laminate the entire sheet. If you don't have a laminate machine you can use clear contact, or if you like you can leave the sheets as is. I laminate everything, so it can be used over and over.

Stick these 2 laminated sheets into the inside of your file folder. I used double sided tape to attach them as I find it sticks better.

Take the second copy of each set and cut the shapes out. Laminate the shapes, and cut them from the laminate sheet.

Here comes the fun part.. Velcro dots! I know I've talked about these before, but honestly, the VERY best way of attaching Velcro to laminate is by using the self adhesive sticky Velcro dots! Easy!

Place one dot on the back of the shape, and the other on the shape it matches on the folder. That's it! Your done!

If you are not using laminate or contact to cover your pieces, then I strongly recommend that you also avoid the Velcro. The pieces will rip when being removed if you have Velcro on them, so just sliding them into place would work fine. If this is the option you use, you can store the pieces in an envelope, and stick the envelope to the back of the folder, so pieces don't go missing.

Put the cover on the folder. Again, I used double sided tape. Boy I love that stuff!

That's it lovelies, you are done! Now let your toddler/preschooler have some fun with it!

Number Puzzle File Folder Game

Morning all!

We've been exploring file folder games for a while now, and Master J really REALLY enjoys them! I really enjoy how easy they are to store, and to make.

Not only are they oodles of fun, but they are educational, and great for hand eye co-ordination too. I've got a few more of these up my sleeve this year so keep an eye out for them!

Today's file folder game is for puzzle number matching. We've been working on numbers a lot lately so I thought a puzzle match would be fantastic to help with number/word recognition and also matching. I have colour coded them to help out younger kids, but if you want to make it a little more challenging you could always print it in black and white.

If you've never made a file folder game before, they are super easy to do!

Here's How!

First, grab the files and print them, you can find them at the bottom of this post

Cut the pieces out! Now, I laminate EVERYTHING because I want them to last got a long time, but if you don't have one, you could always clear contact them, or not cover them at all and just use the pieces as they are, however I wouldn't use Velcro on them if you are not covering them, as they may rip easily.

I positioned the word side of each puzzle on some coloured paper and laminated the entire sheet, and then stuck it into the file folder with double sided tape.

For the other half of the puzzles, I laminated them cut them out, and used velcro self sticking dots for attaching them to the file folder in the right spots. Honestly, I had such trouble finding a way of sticking things to laminate! I went through 5 types of glue and nothing would hold, and then a friend mentioned the self sticking dots and they work PERFECTLY! So forget the glue, and grab the dots! I picked mine up from Woolworths (a big pack for around $6), but most craft/grocery/discount stores have them.

Then stick the cover on the folder and your done! Told you it was easy peasy. I used double sided tape for the cover too, and I didn't bother to laminate that piece.

The only thing left to do now is enjoy it with your little one!